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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The crown jewel of South Carolina's Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach draws over 14 million visitors annually to its 60 miles of coastline. Once a quiet timber town, it transformed into one of the East Coast's most popular resort destinations with over 100 golf courses, making it the 'Golf Capital of the World.'
Founded 1938 | Population 41,000 | Peak 41,000 (2024) | County Horry County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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1938Founded: Myrtle Beach was founded in Horry County.
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1954Hurricane Hazel: Hurricane Hazel devastated the Grand Strand, destroying virtually every pier and many oceanfront structures.
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1977Tourism Boom: Myrtle Beach emerged as a major East Coast tourist destination with the construction of hotels, attractions, and golf courses.
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1989Hurricane Hugo: Hurricane Hugo caused massive destruction along the coast, reshaping the beachfront.
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2003Bike Week Controversy: The annual Harley-Davidson and Black Bike Week events became nationally known, drawing hundreds of thousands of bikers.
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Latest News in Myrtle Beach

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Complete Historical Timeline

1938 Culture
Founded
1954 Disaster
Hurricane Hazel
1977 Business
Tourism Boom
1989 Disaster
Hurricane Hugo
2003 Culture
Bike Week Controversy

Did You Know?

1
Over 14 million tourists visit the Myrtle Beach area annually, making tourism a $13+ billion industry.
2
The Grand Strand stretches 60 miles from Little River to Georgetown — one of the longest continuous beach stretches on the East Coast.
3
With over 100 golf courses, the Myrtle Beach area is often called the 'Golf Capital of the World.'
4
Broadway at the Beach is one of the largest festival entertainment complexes in the Southeast.
5
Hurricane Hazel in 1954 destroyed all but 6 of the Grand Strand's beachfront buildings.
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